Tag Archives: 2014 Road King

This is going be a continuing series about how my 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King performs and my experience of owning it. I’m not going to bullshit you about anything about this motorcycle. I don’t work for Harley Davidson. I’m just another motorcycle consumer like you. If something sucks you’re going know about it. I’ll deal with facts, figures and my opinion.

Why did I purchase a 2014 Harley Davidson Road King?

There’s a lot of other manufacturers that produce a similar type motorcycle. Why didn’t I pick one of those? I know, without a doubt, that this motorcycle is going to be expensive to operate compared to similar products from other manufacturers. I went into this relationship knowing that up front. Also, Harley-Davidsons are not the cheapest motorcycles to purchase either.

Good Bye Money!

Whether people want to admit it or not, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand is an icon in the motorcycle world. The brand represents the true essence of motorcycling. All of the other major manufacturers have tried to copy or produce duplicates to compete in that market segment. In my opinion some of the manufacturers have built a better mousetrap. But, they just don’t have the same “motorcycle life force” as a Harley-Davidson does.

White Wall Tires

I’m a big fan of motorcycles that have a nostalgic look to them. I must be getting old! At this point in my life I don’t need 150 HP at the rear wheel. I really prefer motorcycles that have less plastic on them. It seems like the current motorcycles produced have all been plasticized. I like to see the tubular steel frame instead of a formed casted aluminum one. I like the look of metal fuel tank with attached emblems on the sides.

Nice Emblem!

I like the look of white wall tires and chrome rims with chrome spokes. I’m really not a big fan of these fancy digital displays currently being used on new motorcycles. I know there’s a way to cut costs and to provide the rider with more information. But to me they seem cold and lifeless. Essentially no different than the $10 Timex watch that you can buy. But the speedometer on the 2014 Harley Davidson speaks to me. Not through physical communication but in a metaphorical way.

How Fast Am I Going?

I don’t like wrenching my motorcycles. So I purchased the seven-year warranty. No other manufacturer offers a seven-year warranty. The downside of purchasing the extended warranty is you must adhere to the prescribed maintenance recommended by Harley-Davidson. The prescribed maintenance periods are every 5000 miles until the motorcycle dies or until the warranty runs out.

I like the fact that there are Harley-Davidson dealers located all through the United States. In the event that my motorcycle does have a problem during its usage on the road, there are approximately 700 Harley-Davidson dealerships within the United States. There were almost 900 Harley-Davidson dealerships in 2007 but the economic downturn wiped 200 of them off of the face of the earth. I believe that some of these dealerships will come back due to the improved economic climate.

Rumble! Rumble!

I’m a really big fan of the product. The air/oil cooled V-twin engine is one of my favorites. I prefer motorcycles with V-twin engines as opposed to parallels, opposed or in lines. Like everyone else who prefers a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, I like the rumble from the engine. Also, I don’t have a problem with the vibration that the engine produces. I know that’s just the nature of the beast and an experience that I prefer.